Monday, May 23, 2016

Marvelous Monday

We have a couple of changes in our schedule this week due to 4th and 5th grade PARCC testing. Today our specials were in the morning, instead of the afternoon, and tomorrow we will have an early lunch and recess. Because we will be eating early, tomorrow only, the children may bring in a healthy snack to eat during the afternoon.

On to our day...

After the announcements we began our literacy block. Since we had a different schedule, I thought today would be a great day to have a little fun with debating an opinion. So, after discussing the concept of a debate, the students got into random, small groups, using playing cards. Each group was given an issue and assigned a "side". They were also given an informative pamphlet, about the topic, to read and use in preparation for a debate with students assigned the opposite viewpoint. Finally, we watched a few video clips to get an idea of what a student debate might look like.

Then the students worked collaboratively to research their topic, write a very brief opening statement, and gather arguments supporting their side.

After our literacy block the students enjoyed outdoor recess and lunch.

When they returned to class we began our math block. This week we will focus on basic multiplication and division fact fluency and representing and solving two-step word problems.

During the small group instruction we began with a basic facts practice quiz. Students were given 3 minutes to solve 50 multiplication facts and then 3 more minutes to solve 50 division facts. We reviewed the answers and discussed possible strategies. I told the children they should use these to help determine how much studying they should be doing at home. :-) After that, we represented and solved one two-step word problem.

During math with a partner the students practiced their basic facts by completing an activity called "Find the Pairs". Then, when they were finished, they played a Clip and Cover game focusing on strategies to solve basic multiplication facts.

Finally, during the technology rotations, the children practiced their facts playing Number Chef, an online game, and then working on Xtra Math.

HOMEWORK is posted in Google Classroom.

The students ended the day by finalizing their debate notes. We will debate the issues before lunch tomorrow!